Protest Against Phoenix Dance Theatre Ending Dancers' Contracts

Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds has confirmed it will no longer continue with its proposal to lay-off a number of staff.

On 23rd May, a demonstration was held outside its headquarters in Leeds, after more than 1,800 people signed a petition calling on Phoenix Dance Theatre to reverse the decision to lay-off two dancers.

According to Equity, Phoenix will undergo a "creative pause" from June 2022 to January 2023. Phoenix Dance Theatre confirmed that the company "has been engaged in a consultation process with four individuals on permanent contracts with the company, including two dancers. A proposal to temporarily lay-off these four individuals was considered but ultimately the decision has been made to halt the consultation process and maintain their jobs?. To make space for the company to undergo the strategic review we will be pausing some of our creative output and will not be proceeding with our usual autumn tour, instead returning to the stage in the new year. Our education work will continue, and we look forward to launching our 40th anniversary book, virtual exhibition and digital works later this year."

Photo Credit: CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons